Hennepin County’s jaw-dropping decision to ditch felony prosecutions from routine traffic stops is raising eyebrows! Starting October 15, 2025, County Attorney Mary Moriarty says no more charging felons caught with guns or drugs during minor stops, like a busted taillight. It’s a move that’s got sheriffs fuming and locals wondering if criminals just got a golden ticket. Why’s this happening, and will it turn Minneapolis into a lawless playground? Keep reading to find out!
Pretext Stops Scrapped: What’s the Deal?
Hennepin County’s top prosecutor, Mary Moriarty, just pulled the plug on prosecuting most felonies found during low-level traffic stops. Think expired tags or a wonky headlight. Her reasoning? These “pretext stops” unfairly target Black and Brown drivers and don’t boost safety much. Data shows only 0.3% of these stops snag weapons. Meanwhile, Moriarty claims this frees up cops to chase real dangers like speeders or drunks.
Public Safety or Soft-on-Crime Stunt?
Sheriffs are spitting mad, calling it a “reckless” move. Hennepin’s Sheriff Dawanna Witt says 47% of 377 illegal guns grabbed in 2025 came from traffic stops. Police chiefs from Brooklyn Park to Plymouth warn criminals might run wild, knowing minor stops won’t land them in cuffs. Moriarty, however, insists it’s about fairness, not coddling crooks, and points to Ramsey County’s similar policy working fine.
Moriarty’s Track Record: Selective Justice?
Moriarty’s no stranger to controversy. She’s dodged charging a state worker for $21,000 in Tesla vandalism but threw the book at a teen for less. Her office also faced heat for low bail on domestic abusers and charging a trooper for shooting a fleeing suspect – the charges against the state trooper were later dropped. Critics have accused Moriarty of implementing a race-based agenda, while supporters cheer her for tackling racial bias. Either way, her pretext stop policy’s stirring the pot.
What’s Next for Hennepin’s Streets?
This policy kicks in mid-October, but cops aren’t thrilled. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says it won’t change much since his department already cut back on pretext stops. Still, police unions fear it’ll embolden felons, leaving officers “powerless.” Moriarty’s betting on data from other counties showing no crime spike. Will this gamble make Hennepin safer or a haven for lawbreakers? What do you think—does this policy protect fairness or invite chaos?
Follow the author on X: KM Broussard
My articles on patriotnewswire.com
